BREAKING NEWS: Toronto Maple Leafs forward and longtime leader John Tavares has officially signed a new three-year contract extension with….see more……
In a major move that signals a continued commitment to their core leadership group, the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially announced that captain John Tavares has signed a three-year contract extension with the club. The new deal will keep the veteran forward in Toronto through the 2027-28 NHL season.
Tavares, 34, was set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but the Leafs moved proactively to retain their captain and longtime leader. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed immediately, but sources close to the organization suggest the extension carries an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $5 million, a notable reduction from his previous $11 million AAV deal signed in 2018.
Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving praised Tavares in a team statement:
> “John has been a cornerstone of this organization both on and off the ice. His leadership, professionalism, and work ethic continue to set the standard for our team. We’re thrilled to have him remain a Maple Leaf.”
Tavares, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, joined the Leafs in 2018 as a marquee free-agent signing, returning to his hometown team after nine seasons with the New York Islanders. Since then, he has served as the Leafs’ captain, a role he took on in 2019, and has consistently contributed as a top-six forward and power-play presence.
In the 2024-25 season, Tavares posted 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 79 games, showing he remains a productive force despite his age. His playoff experience and calm demeanor have also been instrumental in guiding a relatively young Toronto squad through postseason runs.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference Friday morning, Tavares expressed gratitude and excitement about continuing his journey in Toronto.
> “It’s an honor to wear the Maple Leaf every night. This city, this team – it means everything to me. I believe in what we’re building here, and I want to be part of helping this group get to the next level.”
The extension comes at a pivotal time for the Maple Leafs, who are navigating salary cap constraints while also trying to keep their core intact. With stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander anchoring the roster, retaining Tavares on a team-friendly deal may offer much-needed flexibility.
NHL insiders are already speculating about the implications for Marner, whose contract is up next summer. While no decisions have been made public, the Leafs’ cap situation remains tight, and Tavares’ willingness to take a reduced salary could set the tone for other veterans.
This extension not only locks in a respected leader but also signals the Leafs’ desire to maintain a competitive window with experienced players guiding their younger talent.
More details, including full contract terms and potential clauses, are expected to be released later today.
Stay tuned to TSN and Sportsnet for continuing coverage of this developing story.
